David Haye's longstanding trainer and manager Adam Booth insists there was never any real prospect of the Englishman delaying his retirement to secure a fight with Vitali Klitschko.

Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente claimed on Sky Sports News earlier in the week that there had been talks between the two camps about a possible clash in February or March of 2012.

However, speaking shortly after Haye made his announcement, Booth claimed that discussions with Boente were less than constructive and added that his boxer was quick to dismiss the prospect of becoming embroiled in yet more protracted negotiations.

"There was no offer of a fight, I had one conversation with Bernd," he told Sky Sports News.

"I told David about that conversation, I told him everything that was said, and what was very weakly alluded to with regards to what they would consider offering, and he (Haye) just said, 'forget it, it's not worth it'.

"I have spoken very little to him about boxing, I told him about the conversation with Bernd because I'm his manager and that's what I've got to do. Other than that, I think he's just been enjoying himself."

The Klitschko camp had suggested they had a venue and date lined up, but Booth believes they were simply using Haye as a pawn.

"David's name gets them attention," he added. "Wladimir is fighting (Jean-Marc) Mormeck, who David knocked out in seven rounds years ago. People said he was old when David knocked him out. He's older now.

"Using David's name puts them in the spotlight. They can have their opinions, but David brings interest."

In the aftermath of the loss to Wladimir in Hamburg, Booth openly encouraged Haye to stay true to his word and retire when he had vowed to.

He remains glad that he did, and believes Haye should be remembered as the second-best cruiserweight of all-time.

"I'm so happy," he said. "David is one of the best cruiserweights there's ever been. (Evander) Holyfield was number one, I have David as number two.

"Both have moved up and done something no-one else has done and taken a heavyweight title as well.

"People will remember him however they choose. I remember the unfair criticism David got after Wladimir and that led people's opinions.

"Now, all of a sudden, people want him to fight Vitali because they realise there is no-one else. Remember him however you choose."

Recalling his own favourite memories during his time leading Haye, Booth singled out the victories over Jean Marc Mormeck and Nikolai Valuev as his highest points.

"I have my memories and sleep at night with fond memories of the whole rollercoaster," he continued.

"There are two (most memorable nights). The Mormeck one because that was the first world championship fight and that was special.

"And I'd have to say Valuev, that was surreal. Not sleeping that night and then sitting there the next morning and realising the magnitude of it, that was surreal. So I'd say those two events for me were the highlight."

Haye was just there for a fat paycheck and spotlight attention when it came to the Klitschko's. And obviously he doesn't dare to step in the ring with Vitali. Haye, fantastic self-promoter with zero sportsmanship.

LOL Bug-eyed freak contradicting himself yet again - First he is giving Wlad crap about fighting an old Mormeck yet he also claims that is one of the two best fights Diva "Toemaker" ever had. The other one was an old crippled Valubum fight, where the British coward ran the entire time and threw ...

Haye and Booth go out telling more lies, so pathetic. Does the bug-eyed freak Booth ever open his mouth without lying? Sorry, I believe Bernd Boente -- this whole sorry "retirement" sideshow is just a way for Haye to sidestep questions about fighting some other top contenders while he waits for...

much as i dislike booth and don't rate him as a trainer i guess haye could still learn something new from him- "booth jabs the klitschkos"
now that would have been a start eh david? but your toe hurt didn't it? ah well then. best you retire really.